STILL HERE...

Just great...

I've been called for Jury duty every year since I turned 21. I've never been picked, never even had my name called. I've always wanted to serve, just to see what it's like. Most everyone I know only served one or two days, so I thought that would be fine with me.


I called my employer and told her I had Jury duty today the 21st, so if she had any clients after that, call me because I really need to work again. She is anxious for me to work also.

I got there and the first name called was mine! I couldn't believe it, that never happens! So, I go up to court room 24 along with 54 others. They gave us a form to read. On the form it states that we are not being picked for a jury trial, but for "The Grand Jury" Huh?? To make a long story short, the Grand Jury serves for 4 months, two days a week or more if they need you to.

What???

Well, I can't do that! I can't go that long without working and I certainly don't want to have to drive that distance every Monday and Friday and I don't want to have to commit to that for 4 months..:(

I tried to tell the Judge that , but he was pissed. About 98% of the people there were trying to get out of it, they were shocked they were called for The Grand Jury also, they all thought they'd serve one day at the most if their name was called.

I tried to claim financial hardship. He asked me if i was working at the moment. I told him no, the lady I was taking care of needed 24/7 care and I couldn't do that anymore, but I was waiting for another client to come along. He said, "But, right at this moment you aren't bringing in an income, right? So, it doesn't make any difference financially whether you serve or not." I said, "But if something comes along, I need to be able to say yes."

"Not good enough, If your husband is paying the bills now, he can pay them for another 4 months. Request is denied."

Wow...

I called my husband during the break to tell him. He was so pissed! He told me when they ask the questions, give them some stupid answers, and they won't pick me. Hmm, ok, that sounds like a plan!

Well, I go back in the courtroom and what does the Judge say? Lawyers don't question you to see if they want you or not for The Grand Jury. It is done by a random drawing. They bring out this box and proceed to pull out the first name. Oh boy I thought, the odds of my name being pulled twice today has to be pretty slim. WRONG!

My name was the first one. :rolleyes:

*sigh*

The first case is Thursday. And these are criminal felony cases, Homicide, etc. I don't think I'm going to have the stomach for this.

I need some pistachio ice cream.:)

5:30 PM - 4/21/2009 - Postacomment

I would freakin looove to do that. I am 49, never been called but once. It was a drug charge, being as I have a nephew seving time for that..I was dismissed.... I would do it for you if I could :D.

windy - 8:10 AM - 4/22/2009

wow! I don't envy you one little bit dearest, but I do hope your 4 months go adventurously fast and easy.

norahs - 9:05 AM - 4/22/2009

Maybe if you show up with a gun they'll let you out of it.

Cam - 9:26 AM - 4/22/2009

Wow, that's a big commitment to ask of someone. I hardly think giving up two days a week for four months if fair at all! Maybe if you keep falling asleep or asking to be excused for the bathroom, or something like that they will let you off the hook!

Good luck with this one, Laurie. It really stinks!

DeeJay - 6:04 PM - 4/22/2009

It's too bad that you have to committ to that for so long because I'm sure you can use the money, but I bet it will be interesting...and probably difficult at times. I served once, for one day, in Nevada on a drunk driving charge. We convicted him......yeah it was black and white the whole way through.

lisalisabobisa - 12:00 AM - 4/23/2009

I have never been chosen for jury duty. One case, a few days would be interesting....but WOW...4 months? That is a lot to ask.

littleMissConfused - 12:35 PM - 4/23/2009

Windy--No you wouldn't! I thought I would love it also, but after serving Thursday and Friday, I hope they never call me again..:(

Thursday and Friday was a homicide case and let me tell you, it's nothing like what you see on TV. This is real stuff and it's not pleasant...:( Thank goodness Monday's is a burglary!.:)

LauriesAsylum - 10:59 AM - 4/25/2009

Sharon--Well, the last two days dragged on, so I have a feeling the four months is going to seem like an eternity, haha.

LauriesAsylum - 11:00 AM - 4/25/2009

Cam--Hahaha, this one dude showed up with a black tee shirt with skulls, daggers and guns on it. (you know he wore it hoping he wouldn't get picked, lol) The judge picked him and at the end of the day told us dress was casual, but you couldn't wear offensive tee shirts. If you did, you wouldn't be sent home, he had a stack of PINK tee shirts just for that purpose and one of those would be put over your shirt, hahahahaha. He was looking at that guy when he said it.

LauriesAsylum - 11:06 AM - 4/25/2009

Deejay--it really does stink... Oh well, I just have to get myself in a good frame of mind, since there's nothing I can do about it..:)

LauriesAsylum - 11:07 AM - 4/25/2009

Lisa--I always thought I'd like it, but I don't. It hurts my back sitting for so long and I have a little bladder, I'm always having to hold it until they call for a break..:(

LauriesAsylum - 11:09 AM - 4/25/2009

LMC--It is! There is a Grand Jury that is above us, they have to serve for an entire year! But, it's all voluntary, they can refuse. We can't, which isn't fair, lol.

LauriesAsylum - 11:11 AM - 4/25/2009

Pink t-shirts... wow...

That judge ain't messin' around !

Cam - 9:00 PM - 4/25/2009

wow.. that stinks. Hopefully this is the only time you end up having to do something so intense.

faithworld - 8:47 PM - 5/4/2009

Faith--at least they can't call me for another year!

LauriesAsylum - 8:35 PM - 5/17/2009

Cam--nope, he sure isn't. He's actually sorta mean..:(

LauriesAsylum - 8:36 PM - 5/17/2009